Cat season! The importance of a good start in life

Sandra McKeown of the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS)

cat season It is upon us! A new cat in the house brings laughter and joy; Their amusing antics, unusual bursts of energy alternating with long periods of deep sleep, confident affection and an endless desire to play are never boring. Or is your cat a little more hesitant? Are they still finding their way in this big new world they found themselves in without the protection of their mothers and their littermates?

If you are responsible for the first few weeks of a kitten’s life, you have a very important task to make sure they are socially appropriate so that they have the best chance of growing up into a healthy, happy and friendly cat. If a kitten has recently joined your family, you also have a critical role in supporting their physical, emotional and behavioral development as they mature into adulthood and beyond! Cats who are given the best start in life are more likely to form strong, positive bonds with their owners. a job SCAS just show How important are these bonds It is for the well-being and health of you and your cat.

early socialization

Your cat’s response to new people and new surroundings is largely determined during their first two months of life. Preparing a kitten to deal with the challenges of the world they live in is one of the most important ways to ensure a good life of luxury. After this time, the fear reaction becomes quite constant in the cat, so positive experiences with novelty are optimal before Sensitive period of socialization It occurs between 2-7 weeks of age when kittens are highly responsive to forming social bonds. This is the period when a socialization program should be introduced to ensure that your cat grows to be friendly and confident with people and with the challenges of the normal home environment. Cats who have experienced appropriate early socialization will be much less likely to experience high levels of stress, fear, or shyness, or develop behavioral problems as an adult.

So, what should be included in your cat’s early socialization program? cat protection video Helpfully explain the importance of early socialization and how to do it. Gradual and regular exposure to new experiences must be carefully managed in very short sessions initially, and extended to longer periods as they mature. a socialization scheme Developed by Cats Protection provides a comprehensive checklist of experiences your cat must have including handling, meeting people and other pets, playing with toys, and a variety of sounds, smells and textures.

Choose your cat

Since most kittens stay with their mother until at least 8 weeks of age, it is important to choose a kitten that has had positive experiences before it moves into your home. The sensitive period does not stop abruptly at 7 weeks of age but is believed to fade away gradually. Socializing, training, and playing with your cat will remain an important part of your relationship throughout its life.

Health and behavioral problems are common in poorly resourced cats. They are often inadequately socialized and may not have the skills they need to grow into a happy, healthy cat without a great deal of work. Empower yourself! Do your research before your kitten arrives. Use Cat . combos Cats Checklist to guide you. Your cat should come from a reputable breeder if it is a pedigree. Learn about the different pedigree institutions, and talk to someone who has bought cats from them before. Look for trained personnel and good buildings with regular veterinary supervision.

Sourcing from an animal shelter can also be a great option. Shelters are great places to find vaccinated, vaccinated, and home-trained cats and kittens. There is a great sense of satisfaction in knowing that you have given a homeless animal a loving place to live, and your adoption will provide a place for other cats in need. And if you have questions or concerns after your cat has joined your family, good shelters will provide post-adoption support.

A lifetime of good luxury

Most UK owners keep their cats safe, happy and healthy. owners too Legal obligations To meet their cat’s care needs. understand cat 5 luxury needs translates into real differences in How are they taken care of It is an important part of Responsible pet ownership.

Meeting your cat’s care needs during the early months and into adulthood will give her the best start to a healthy and happy life.

For more information about the relationship between you and your cat, visit the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS).

For more science-based information on understanding your cat and helping it grow into a happy, healthy cat, try this cat science book.

Zazie Todd (2022) Purr: The Science of Pleasuring Your Cat, Greystone Books, Vancouver.

John Bradshaw (2013) Cat Sense: Cats Mystery Revealed. Penguin, London.

John Bradshaw and Sarah Ellis (2016) The Trainable Cat: A Practical Guide to Making Life Happier for You and Your Cat, Essential Books, New York.

Dennis Turner (2014) The domestic cat: the biology of its behaviour3^{research and development} Edition, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Around SCAS

SCAS was founded in 1979 to promote the study of human-animal interactions and to raise awareness of the importance of pets in society.

Over the past 40 years, SCAS has established itself as the British body in human-animal bond studies, funding research, providing education, raising awareness, promoting best practices, and influencing the development of policies and practices that support human-animal bonds. .

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